Take Me Out - revisited in DC

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 10:57am

After being extended a few weeks, Take Me Out at DC's Studio Theatre ended its run yesterday. This production began in May. I saw the play during its first week here and was disappointed. I returned on Saturday to see if things improved only to find out that they were even worse. Not only was I disappointed this second time around, two of the leads had been recast; Jacques Cowart as Darren Lemming and Kirk Jackson as Mason Marzak. Kirk Jackson also directed this production (and herein lies my problem with this production). My main disappointment were with the characterizations. The stage was filled with exaggerated stereotypes (especially Mr. Jackson as Mason Marzak). Its not in the writing per se, but in the interpretation and direction. A lot of these actors were way over the top. The exaggerations were even more pronounced this time around. I felt that the only actor who gave a truthful performance was Ikuma Isaac as Takeshi Kawabata.

Its a shame because I thought that Richard Greenberg wrote a wonderful play, but in the wrong hands it doesn't soar like it did on Broadway.

[broadway betty]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 11:05am

What a shame. TMO is one of the best things I've ever seen on a stage with great performances from everyone involved.